Glasgow vs Edinburgh: Which is Better to Visit

Q: How many days do you need in Glasgow?

2-4 days. Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and has a rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as many worthwhile attractions. If you are pressed for time, you can choose to visit the top attractions, such as Glasgow Cathedral, the Art Institute and George Square, and watch a musical to experience the local culture.

Glasgow vs Edinburgh has been a debate for a long time. With rich humanistic and natural resources, these two cities attract lots of visitors from all over the world every year. From bustling cityscapes to the serene countryside, both Glasgow and Edinburgh can leave unforgettable memories for travellers. For those who are eager to visit major cities in Scotland, both of them are good travel destinations. But with limited time and energy, how do you choose which one to visit? Through the comparison, let’s see which city will be your favourite travel destination.

Table of Contents

Edinburgh vs Glasgow: A Quick Overview

Scotland is a big country in comparison to the rest of the UK, but Edinburgh and Glasgow are fairly near to each other. It takes around an hour and 15 minutes to drive from Glasgow to Edinburgh and no more than an hour and 30 minutes by train, depending on which train you get. This closeness means visitors can easily take in both cities in one trip.

Edinburgh: A quick overview

Edinburgh was the capital of the Kingdom of Scotland from 1437 to 1707. It is now the seventh largest city in the United Kingdom and the second most visited city after London. Edinburgh is the home to the University of Edinburgh, which is one of the six oldest universities in the UK. It is not only the political and cultural centre of the United Kingdom but also an important birthplace of Scottish history and culture. There are many of the best places to visit in Edinburgh.

Glasgow: A quick overview

Have you ever heard someone mention Scotland and Glasgow? Glasgow is located in the Scottish region of the United Kingdom and is the largest city in Scotland. Glasgow was once one of Britain’s major industrial cities. Today, it has developed into one of the top ten financial centers in Europe. It is also Scotland’s cultural, educational, and sports center.

Architecture in Glasgow vs Edinburgh

Architecture in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle: Edinburgh Castle, a symbol of Edinburgh and Scotland, stands 135 meters above an extinct volcano, offering stunning city views. Built over 900 years ago, it was the fortress for the Scottish royal family. Today, it features an ancient turret, and the One O’clock Gun fired daily at 1:00 p.m. The famous marching band also performs here each August. Will it be one of the factors that affect your decision on Edinburgh or Glasgow to visit?
Holyrood Palace: When it comes to Scotland and Edinburgh, people often mention Holyrood Palace. Located at the eastern end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh opposite Edinburgh Castle, it is the official Scottish residence of the British Crown. Built-in 1498 by James IV in Baroque style, it hosts national and royal events and serves as a key site for exploring Scottish history and culture.
St Giles Cathedral: Located at the heart of the Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral is a must-visit for its elegant interior. Built in the early 12th century, it serves as the church of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. The cathedral was rebuilt following a fire. It is one of the best places to visit in Edinburgh.
Scott Monument: The Scott Monument, honoring Scottish writer Walter Scott, is a landmark on Princes Street next to Waverley train station, named after his novel. The over 200-foot high tower features a narrow staircase leading to viewing platforms with views of Edinburgh’s city center. Its black color comes from asphalt used in the stones.

Architecture in Glasgow

Glasgow Cathedral: Glasgow Cathedral, or St. Mungo’s Cathedral, has been under construction since 1136. Its Gothic architecture and mottled facade reflect the history of Glasgow. The cathedral features a variety of collections, including both Catholic and Hindu artefacts.
George Square: Built in 1781, it features statues of notable Glaswegians and is located next to the Italian Renaissance-style Glasgow City Hall, a Victorian building erected in 1888 that symbolizes the city’s Industrial Revolution achievements. The Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art is just a five-minute walk away.
Glasgow Science Centre: Located on the banks of the River Clyde, it opened in 2001 as the largest science centre in the UK. The centre features a wide range of in-depth exhibits that are perfect for both children and adults to explore the mysteries of science. The various hands-on experiments available in the museum are sure to keep visitors coming back for more.

Museums in Glasgow vs Edinburgh

Museums in Edinburgh

National Museums Scotland: The National Museum of Scotland, located on Chambers Street, features two buildings in different architectural styles: a modern one opened in 1998 and a Victorian one. The museum spans five floors, showcasing Scotland’s history from its geological origins to the 1990s, along with various innovative exhibitions. Admission is free, and it is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, with audio tours available in several languages.
Royal Victoria Museum: The museum is connected to the nearby National Museums Scotland and features collections that focus on science, technology, natural history, and world cultures. It is recommended to dedicate at least half a day to exploring these two must-see attractions. The museum also hosts various cultural activities that draw more children to visit.
National Gallery of Scotland: The National Galleries of Scotland, located on Princes Street, features European art from the Renaissance to the 19th century, with masterpieces by Van Gogh, Titian, Raphael, and Monet. Notable works include Monet’s Impression of the Sunrise, Poussin’s Seven Sacraments, and Velazquez’s Egg Woman.

Museums in Glasgow

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: The Kelvingrove Art Museum is designed in the Spanish Baroque style and is divided into 22 themed areas. It houses more than 8,000 items in its collection, which includes works of art from various periods, as well as a variety of weapons and armour, and even a genuine British Spitfire.
Riverside Museum: The Riverside Museum showcases various historical vehicles, and The Tall Ship, located on the riverwalk outside the museum, allows visitors to board and explore. It is one of the best places to visit in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Burrell Collection: The Burrell Collection is an art gallery in Glasgow. It houses important medieval art, stained glass, sculpture, and tapestries dating back more than 500 years. It is also one of the best places to visit in Glasgow, Scotland.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, is one of the most popular free attractions in the country, surpassing even Edinburgh Castle. Opened in 1901, it features an impressive collection of British and continental European paintings, including works by Van Gogh and Salvador Dali.
The Hunterian Museum: It is owned by the University of Glasgow and contains a large and valuable collection of exhibits donated by the late Scottish anatomist and physician William Little. If you don’t know what to do in Glasgow, go to this museum and enjoy your experience here.

Nature in Glasgow vs Edinburgh

Nature in Edinburgh

Arthur’s Seat: Arthur’s Seat is a mountain in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, rising 251 meters above the city and offering stunning views of both Edinburgh and County Fife. This is the best place to visit in Edinburgh. To reach the summit, hike towards the ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel and follow the signs—it will take about 45 minutes. This is a great spot for watching the sunrise or sunset!
Calton Hill: Calton Hill is located on the east side of Princes Street and derives its name from the Gaelic “cauldh-dun”. The hill is a black basalt structure. There are many landmarks on the hill, including the National Monument of Scotland, the Nelson Monument, the Dugald Steward Memorial Pavilion, and the City Observatory. It is one of the observation points Edingburgh, Scotland.
Princes Gardens: Princes Gardens are located in a valley and feature the Ross Bandstand in the western part, hosting open-air concerts during summer and Hogmanay. Nearby, you can find the Floral Clock, the world’s oldest, designed in 1903 and updated annually. The gardens also showcase the Scott Monument, honouring the famous writer Walter Scott.

Nature in Glasgow

Pollok House and Pollok Country Park: Pollok House, located 4 miles southwest of Glasgow city centre, is an Edwardian mansion built in 1752 by William Adam and his sons. Once the home of the Maxwell family, it was opened to the public in 1966. The estate includes Pollok Country Park, featuring over 1,000 species of rhododendrons, well-maintained gardens, woodlands, and riverside paths.
Glasgow Green: Established in the 15th century, it is the oldest park in the city. Glasgow Green is located on the north bank of the River Clyde. One of the park’s main attractions is the People’s Palace, a museum built in 1898 that chronicles the history of Glasgow from 1750 to the 20th century. The park is also home to the stunning Doulton Fountain, which, at 46 feet high and 70 feet wide, is the largest terracotta fountain in the world.

Festivals in Glasgow vs Edinburgh

Festivals in Edinburgh

Edinburgh International Festival: It is usually held for three weeks each year from early to late August. You can see performances in many areas of dance, opera, music and theatre at this event.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe: The festival is held at the same time as the Edinburgh International Festival and lasts for about three weeks. It can be held in various places like traditional theatre or streets. Audiences can experience a wide range of arts performances in different venues.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Since 1949, the Royal Edinburgh Festival of Military Music has been a popular festival in Edinburgh. It is also held at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade every August. Here, you can enjoy the special nautical-themed show led by the Royal Navy and other musical guards from around the world.
Edinburgh International Film Festival: It is an important part of the Edinburgh Festival and is held annually for two weeks from August to September, focusing on the best films that have won awards at the world’s major international film festivals during the year. Founded in 1947, it was the first international film festival to be held in the United Kingdom and the longest continuously running international film festival in the world.

Festivals in Glasgow

Burn Supper: Held around January 25th each year, this is one of Scotland’s most iconic and distinctive traditional festivals. The festival is held in honour of Scotland’s greatest poet, Robert Burns. On this day, people will dress up in traditional Scottish national costumes, eat Haggis, chant Robert Burn’s poems, and dance the national dance of the Kelly Dance joyfully to traditional Scottish music.
Glasgow Film Festival: It runs for two weeks every year around the end of February. It is Scotland’s biggest film festival and attracts many film lovers to gather here. There are hundreds of film-related programmed events, hundreds of exhibited films and dozens of film premieres.
The West End Festival: It is held in June every year. It is one of the very favourite festivals for Glasgow’s young people. It includes a grand opening parade, various cultural and artistic performances, theatre performances, parades, and other events that are staged one after another in different locations in Glasgow’s West End.

Dining in Glasgow vs Edinburgh

Restaurants in Edinburgh

Number One Restaurant: The Balmoral, a five-star hotel on Princes Street, offers superb dishes made from the finest ingredients and unique Scottish cuisine. Recommended entrees include Balmoral smoked salmon, scallops, and Scottish Beef Fillet, while desserts feature D’agen Prune Souffle and Valrhona Chocolate Orange.
The Elephant House: In 1995, J.K. Rowling completed the original draft of Harry Potter’s First Mysterious Sorcerer’s Stone in a cozy café, which features a “Birthplace of Harry Potter” sign on the window. The café offers coffee, tea, wine, and snacks, and is decorated with various elephant-themed items.
Saigon Saigon: Located near Prince Street, this Chinese restaurant offers a great ambiance and excellent service. The food is on the spicy side and features a variety of Hong Kong-style dim sum. Additionally, there is a buffet available downstairs. The location is also very convenient, just off Prince Street.

Restaurants in Glasgow

Ubiquitous Chip: The restaurant focuses on exquisite decor that reflects traditional Scottish culture. Potatoes, a British favorite, serve as the base for various improved dishes, making local cuisine appealing to diners. The restaurant is also a popular choice for couples planning weddings.
The Buttery: Established in 1870, The Buttery is one of Scotland’s oldest and most beloved restaurants. Renamed ‘Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery’ in 2007, it serves authentic Scottish dishes with a great reputation, including a delicious selection of fresh fish. There is also another location in the city center.
Mother India: Opened in 1990, this restaurant is operated by local residents. It offers authentic Indian cuisine in a warm and comfortable setting. Naan is the primary dish featured on the menu, which provides guidance on how to enjoy it. On average, customers can expect to spend no more than $10.

Accommodation in Glasgow vs Edinburgh

Hotels in Edinburgh

The Balmoral: The Balmoral Hotel is centrally located at Princes Street and North Bridge, next to Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station. It features luxurious decor, a clock tower, a swimming pool, a gym, a sauna, a Turkish steam room, and the Michelin-starred Number One Restaurant.
Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh: The hotel is on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, a 5-minute walk from Waverley Station and less than 10 minutes from Edinburgh Castle. Princes Street is 500 meters away, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a 10-minute walk.
Holiday Inn Express: It is in Edinburgh’s Old Town, near the Royal Mile and 1.2 km from Edinburgh Castle. It’s a 10-minute walk from Princes Street and Waverley Railway Station, offering a buffet breakfast and surrounded by bars, shops, and restaurants.

Hotels in Glasgow

The Argyll Hotel: It is located on Sauchiehall Street and is a 10-minute walk from the University of Glasgow, Kelvin Grove Art Museum, and other attractions. The hotel features simply designed rooms with plaid decor for a Scottish feel. While room sizes are small and air conditioning is not provided, heating ensures a comfortable stay for cold-sensitive travelers. It is one of the best places to stay in Glasgow, Scotland.
One Devonshire Gardens, a Hotel du Vin: is located 30 minutes by tube from Glasgow city center. It is within walking distance of attractions like the Glasgow Botanic Gardens and Bingham’s Pond. The hotel offers a classical atmosphere with traditionally designed luxury rooms, some featuring bathtubs. Amenities include heating, blackout curtains, and carpets for a comfortable stay.
The Grasshopper Hotel Glasgow: The hotel is centrally located on Union Street, just a 7-minute walk from Buchanan Street Underground Station and within a 10-minute walk of popular attractions like Buchanan Street, the Glasgow Museum of Modern Art, and the Duke of Wellington’s Riding Statue. The guest rooms are clean and comfortable, with enough space for suitcases. Each room has heating for colder weather.

Shopping in Glasgow vs Edinburgh

Shopping in Edinburgh

Princes Street: It is not only a great place for shopping but also a suitable site for enjoying the classic architectural landscape. We recommend the St James Quarter shopping centre, where you can find everything from fashionable items to electronic products. Princes Street Gardens often hosts Christmas markets and the Edinburgh Farmers Market, which are worthy of visiting.
George Street: It is parallel to Princes Street. There are many chic restaurants and trendy stores on this Victorian-style street, which is also a great place to shop.
Multrees Walk: Located next to St. Andrew’s Square, Multrees Walk is a luxury shopper’s paradise! It is home to Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols and Louis Vuitton, with a wide range of well-known brands such as Celine, Balenciaga, Gucci and many more
The West End: This area is full of fashionable boutiques, organic food stores, gift stores and flower stores. William Street is home to many elegant galleries and fashion boutiques, as well as high-end designer stores.
The Royal Mile: This main street in the Old Town is lined with traditional Scottish cashmere, whisky and craft stores, as well as old-fashioned restaurants and bars. It’s a great place to select a traditional souvenir!

Shopping in Glasgow

Princes Square: Located in the heart of the city, Princes Square is a high-end shopping centre. There are over 30 stores including luxury brands such as Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Gucci and Hugo Boss. If you want to buy items with good quality and unique designs, this is definitely the place for you.
Buchanan Galleries: Located on Buchanan Street in the city centre, Buchanan Galleries is Glasgow’s largest shopping centre. It’s home to over 100 stores, including well-known brands such as Debenhams, House of Fraser, John Lewis and Zara. It is a good place for shopping and spending festivals.
Braehead Shopping Centre: It is the second-largest shopping centre in Scotland. There are over 100 stores, including Debenhams, House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer and Primark. Not only is there a great selection of products, but there are also events and promotions to make your shopping experience even more enjoyable.

Transportation in Glasgow vs Edinburgh

Transportation in Edinburgh

By air: Edinburgh Airport is located 12 km west of the city center. From the Edinburgh city center train station, you can take the Airlink 100 bus to the airport, which takes about 25 minutes.
By train: Edinburgh has both Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station and Edinburgh Haymarket Railway Station, which are very close to each other and only a few minutes’ drive away. There are trains to major cities in Britain.
By bus: The public transport system in Edinburgh consists of buses and light rail, mainly operated by two companies, Lothian Bus and First Bus. It is recommended to buy a Day ticket from these two companies, you can take all the trains of the same company in the same day, no limit of times and no limit of routes.

Transportation in Glasgow

By air: Glasgow International Airport is located 13 km west of Glasgow. It is Scotland’s largest international airport and the fifth largest in the UK. The airport features convenience stores, restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and various travel services, including currency exchange and car rental.
By train: Glasgow Central Station serves as the northern terminus of the West Coast Railway main line in the United Kingdom. It provides connections to London and several other towns in the south. Additionally, trains are available at Glasgow Prestwick International Airport, located southwest of the city.
By bus: Glasgow Queen Street is the eastern gateway to other Scottish towns, including Edinburgh, Stirling, and Aberdeen. Buses between the two stations are available, and it takes about 15 minutes to walk between them. There is a short distance between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland. After finishing your trip to Glasgow, you can take a train from Glasgow to Edinburgh if you have spare time.

The most common way to get around Glasgow is by bus. Buses have more stops than the subway, making them convenient for students. However, they can get stuck in traffic during peak hours, and non-long-term tickets are pricier.

Conclusion

There is no definitive conclusion to the debate between Glasgow vs Edinburgh. Each city has its own unique historical and cultural background, which significantly influences its current development. Both are popular tourist destinations with their distinct charm. To assist you in planning your trip, we have compiled information on popular attractions, recommended restaurants, and hotels in both Glasgow and Edinburgh, along with an overview of transportation options in these cities. We hope you enjoy your journey through Scotland.

FAQ

Which is nicer Edinburgh or Glasgow?

Edinburgh is nicer.

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow attract many tourists every year. Edinburgh offers more opportunities for people to be close to nature. Besides historical sites such as Edinburgh Castle and the historic Old Town, the city’s Royal Botanic Garden, Princes Street Gardens, and Holyrood Park are popular green spaces.

Is Glasgow or Edinburgh friendlier?

People in Glasgow are friendlier.

Glasgow is an inclusive city known for its warm and friendly people. Even though foreigners may find the Scottish accent challenging to understand, locals are patient and can speak slowly.

Is Edinburgh or Glasgow more expensive?

Edinburgh is more expensive than Glasgow.

The cost of living index for Edinburgh and Glasgow is based on various factors, such as rent and restaurant prices. Edinburgh has a higher cost of living index than Glasgow, meaning that living in Edinburgh is more expensive.

City	Cost of Living	Rent	Groceries	Restaurant Price
Edinburgh	79.39	35.55	63.89	86.39
Glasgow	74.19	29.74	60.68	79.05

Should I visit Edinburgh Or Glasgow?

The decision between Edinburgh vs. Glasgow depends on your travel time and budget. If you have a limited budget and time for travelling in Scotland, Glasgow is the better choice since it is generally cheaper than Edinburgh. Additionally, Glasgow is less well-known than Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy your trip more fully.

How many days do you need in Glasgow?

2-4 days.

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and has a rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as many worthwhile attractions. If you are pressed for time, you can choose to visit the top attractions, such as Glasgow Cathedral, the Art Institute and George Square, and watch a musical to experience the local culture.

How easy is it to get around Glasgow without a car?

It doesn’t matter if you do not have a car when travelling in Glasgow.

Glasgow has a well-developed public transportation system, giving travellers a variety of options for their travel plans. Additionally, many areas of the city are pedestrian-friendly, featuring well-maintained sidewalks and ample green spaces. Bicycle rental services are also available, allowing visitors to explore Glasgow at their own pace.

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